PD03 Sorauren - First battle (28 July 1813)

Sorauren (First battle) - 28 July 1813

Historical BackgroundWith sizable Anglo-Portuguese forces tied up in assaulting San Sebastián and besieging Pamplona, the new French commander Marshal Soult launched a counterattack with the Armée d'Espagne through Maya and Roncesvalles. Although the French initially enjoyed local superiority, the tough terrain combined with British and Portuguese resistance slowed the French advance to a crawl. Cole abandoned his position on the Roncesvalles Pass and withdrew along the road back towards Pamplona until he came to Sorauren, deploying his men on a strong position (Oricain ridge) which blocked the road to Pamplona. The main French column under Clausel and Reille was marching to attack Sorauren when, on the 27th July, Wellesley made a dramatic ride along the ridge in front of the British and Portuguese troops : Soult postponed the attack until the next day. By the time the French attack was launched, British reinforcements had arrived. The battle of Sorauren was fought over three days (28 and 30 July 1813) : the main French attacks (from Clausel’s ridge to Cole’s ridge) were delivered on 28th July 1813. On the 28th july, the fighting at the top of the ridge was bitter and bloody, but the defenders held the French off. About midday, the 6th Division arrived and Wellington sent them to assault the French right flank. More fresh units reached the field and Soult soon ordered a withdrawal. On the 30th july the retreat from Sorauren cost the French 3,500 casualties (second battle of Sorauren). With his momentum lost, Soult withdrew into France to prepare his defence against the imminent Allied offensive. (Source : Wikipedia)The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?

Set-Up Order

4

15

8

4

1

1

2

1

3

Battle Notes

British Army• Commander : Wellington• 6 Command Cards

5

2

3

6

1

1

French Army• Commander : Soult• 5 Command Cards• Move First

11

2

1

1

2

Victory7 Banners

Special Rules• The rivers are impassable except on Bridges and Fords.

The five Hills of Cole’s Ridge (noted : green borders , on the map ) are terrain objectives : the player who has the majority of units on these five hex at his turn start, gets two temporary victory banners (The British player get these 2 VP at start of the game) (Temporary Majority Victory Banners)